abstract oil pastels;

As an experiment at the beginning of the project I created a collection of four abstract oil pastel drawings. this was only my second time using oil pastels so I was still figuring out the right techniques to use. The first three were line drawings onto of a coloured background and I think that the simplicity of the first drawing is quite powerful. when looking at the line image I believe that it is reminiscent of  human biology, the curves and placement of the line reminds me of a stomach and intestines weaving and wrapping around each other. I think that the shade and tone of yellow that has been used in the background is very similar to the way that bile is often depicted in drawings and images. I think that the sparse, darker marks combined with the black line allow there to be a contrast within the image and the layering of colours provides a sense of depth. However, I don't like that there's lots of empty space above the line drawing as I think that it draws attention away from the focal point of the piece. 

The next two drawings follow the same process and by the third one I had perfected the way in which I wanted the colours and shapes to be depicted, creating geometric blocks of colour facing different angles that look as if they are floating around in the background I believe that the use of soft curved lines within these three drawings allow the images to feel open and friendly. There are no harsh or sharp edges to deter the viewer, and I think that the development of using brighter and bolder colours instead of the natural and muted tones of the first drawing have allowed the drawings to invoke an alluring atmosphere that immediately draws the viewers attention. I have also filled up the entire page with the line drawing which I believe causes the pieces to feel much more inviting as there is something happening everywhere you look.angry and distraught  When looking at these pieces I think that at first glance the line drawing can seem chaotic and out of control, however, on further inspection the lines seem to take on methodical curves, sometimes repeating the same patterns. I believe that this invokes a feeling of stability within the piece.

for the last image I went down a completely different route, partially inspired by Jackson Pollocks 'There were Seven in Eight', I began with distinct images of laughing and crying masks commonly found within the theatre, and then layered a combination of eyes and words in different colours over the top to obscure them. This drawing is far more chaotic than the previous ones, and I believe that the hash mark making invokes an angry and distraught feeling, as if someone is is slowly losing their mind. To me, this drawing feels volatile and emotional as if it is crying out for help but doesn't know what to say.